Family of murdered Cummins employee releases statement

SEYMOUR, Ind. (WISH) — The family of Ward Edwards has issued a statement following his murder.

Edwards was shot and killed by Qing Chen on Thursday. Chen then took his own life.

On Saturday, Edwards’ family released this statement:

Ward Ray Edwards II was a hard-working, loyal family man devoted to his wife and children.  His quiet, kind, and gentle spirit will always be remembered and cherished.  He was a thoughtful and considerate man and for that, he will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Married in 1994 to Nancy Ziegler Edwards, he was the father to Eli and Emma.  He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in mechanical engineering and started at Cummins in 1989.  His in-laws, Kent and Edith Ziegler, are long time Columbus residents.

He was active in all of his children’s activities including Boy Scout Troop 557.  His family members are long-time members of the First Presbyterian church where Nancy was baptized, Ward and Nancy were married, the children were baptized, Eli was confirmed, and Ward served as a deacon.  He will be sorely missed by all.”

Seymour Police Chief Bill Abbott said he is unlikely to make the motive behind the killing public. Police have said that Edwards was Chen’s supervisor.